The Shark-Free Marina Initiative

Our Work & Members

Registered 'Shark-Free' marinas participate in a voluntary program under which they agree to prohibit sharks from being harvested at their facility. Working in tandem with businesses and fishermen we develop sensible protocols under which threatened species of shark are permitted to recover and replenish their stocks. We also work with policy makers at Local, State and Federal levels to create and enforce community conscious policy and increase the awareness of the need to protect our sharks and our ocean.

Fishing from a Shark-Free Marina

As a fisherman you should know what it means to launch from an SFMI registered marina. Catching non-endangered shark is not illegal or prohibited however our members encourage sport shark-fishermen to exercise catch-and-release techniques. Some SFMI registered marinas are also access points for tagging programs and catch & release shark-fishing tournaments. Catch-and-release fishing techniques represent a significant step in protecting valuable marine resources as well as providing valuable data for research organizations.

Why SFMI is important

Currently between 60 and 100 million sharks are slaughtered worldwide each year. This massive cull of apex predators is unsustainable and poses a serious threat to the oceans health. Over the last 5 years the recreational fishery in the United States has harvested an average of ½ a Million sharks per year, removing them from an already struggling breeding population. Shark-Free Marinas will reduce the mortal take of sharks and encourage responsible use of our ocean.

Who We Are

Shark-Free Marina's is a 501(c)3 registered non-profit working in partnership with the Humane Society of the United States. Our Board  of advisers includes reputable scientists, foundations and well known media personalities.